Clogged Milk Ductsaccording to TCM

Root Causes of Clogged Milk Ducts in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Clogged milk ducts according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Stomach
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Clogged Milk Ducts

Common Symptoms: Bleeding Gums Irritability Bad Breath Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Swollen Gums Toothache

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Clogged milk ducts, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Clogged milk ducts, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Clogged Milk Ducts

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Clogged milk ducts, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Clogged Milk Ducts

Common Symptoms: Bleeding Gums Irritability Bad Breath Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Swollen Gums Toothache

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach Heat or Fire Clogged milk ducts, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat Clogged milk ducts, Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Thirst, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia... see more Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Clogged Milk Ducts

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Clogged milk ducts, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian | Gua Lou San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Clogged Milk Ducts

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address clogged milk ducts, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood

All Formulas Recommended for Clogged Milk Ducts Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gua Lou San Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang Stomach Heat or Fire
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire
Fei Er Wan Stomach Heat or Fire
Hua Ban Tang Stomach Heat or Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Clogged Milk Ducts Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Gua Lou San Liver Qi Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for clogged milk ducts

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for clogged milk ducts

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for clogged milk ducts

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Wei San Stomach Heat or Fire
Xie Huang San Stomach Heat or Fire

Acupoints for Clogged Milk Ducts

Explore below some acupoints used to address clogged milk ducts, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Spleen Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Jianjing GB-21

Jianjing GB-21

Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.

Rugen ST-18

Rugen ST-18

In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Tianxi SP-18

Tianxi SP-18

2 cun lateral to the nipple, in the 4th intercostal space.

Youmen KID-21

Youmen KID-21

6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

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